Packing list
What to Take on a Sailing Holiday — A Practical Packing List
Published · Last checked October 2026
For a sailing holiday, pack light in a soft, foldable bag. Take layered quick-dry clothing, a waterproof jacket, non-marking deck shoes, a warm fleece, swimwear, a hat, sunglasses with a cord, high-factor sun cream and seasickness tablets. Add your passport, any qualifications such as an ICC, a head torch, a phone charger with a 12V or USB adaptor and a dry bag. Space aboard is tight, so leave the hard suitcase at home.
Clothing
- Quick-dry shorts and trousers, several T-shirts and one long-sleeve top
- A warm fleece or light insulated jacket, even in the Mediterranean, for evenings and night passages
- A waterproof jacket (and trousers if cruising in the UK). See what to wear sailing.
- Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
- Non-marking deck shoes, plus sandals for ashore
- A brimmed hat with a cord, and sunglasses with a retainer
Health and safety
- High-factor sun cream and lip balm
- Seasickness remedies: take them before you sail. See how to avoid seasickness.
- Personal medication, with enough spare for delays
- A head torch with a red-light mode for night watches
- Sailing gloves to protect your hands on ropes
Documents and gadgets
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Passport and travel insurance | Check it covers sailing activities |
| Qualifications (Day Skipper, ICC, SRC) | Needed by the skipper to charter in many countries |
| Phone in a waterproof case | Spray and salt water ruin electronics |
| USB or 12V charger | Many boats have no 230V sockets at sea |
| Small dry bag | Keeps valuables dry in the tender |
What to leave behind
Hard suitcases, which cannot be stowed; too many clothes; hairdryers and other high-power appliances; and anything precious that cannot get wet. On a yacht, everyone lives in a small space, so less really is more. If you are skippering the charter yourself, see how to charter a yacht for the paperwork the company will expect.